If you asked the Founding Fathers, they would say the primary mission of our schools is to prepare citizens for the awesome responsibilities they bear in a democracy.

The United States has lost sight of that objective, posting declines in various measures of civic awareness and participation across the generations. “We have a crisis on our hands when it comes to civics education,” retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor said in 2011.

Today it is more important than ever to ensure Americans have the knowledge and skills to participate in civic life. Informed and active citizens make for a stronger country, a stronger economy, and a stronger workforce. This is essential for our continued prosperity.

With the Civics Forward series, the U.S. Chamber Foundation is examining the future of civic education, civic engagement, and civil discourse in America. We bring together leaders in business, education, and government to discuss how we can prepare the next generation for the awesome responsibilities they bear in a democracy.